Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion are critical to being an effective regulator and employer. Inclusive working and training environments are also crucial to doctors’ wellbeing and to safe patient care.
We’re committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) in everything we do as a regulator and employer. This is a promise embedded in Our Strategy 2021-2025 . As a regulator, this means playing a more active role in supporting system-wide efforts to address inequalities. As an employer, it means creating and developing a fair and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued, has a voice and can be the best they can be.
We want to be accountable for change and greater inclusivity and equality of opportunity, and to achieve that we have set new targets for ourselves as an employer and regulator. For example, we have put in place interventions to support the retention and progression of staff who face inequalities.
We also strive to be a responsible regulator that supports a sustainable environment and healthy communities, making sure we make socially responsible decisions that have a positive impact on the people and the world around us.
We aim for our working environment to be inclusive and caring, with the wellbeing of our people being at the front and centre of how we function as an employer. We work hard to create a culture and environment where everyone is able to be themselves, as well encouraged to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to shape our work. Our people and internal networks play an important role in this, and we help each other to better understand ways to design inclusive services and demonstrate inclusivity in the interactions with all those we serve and towards our colleagues.
Why diversity is important to us
Diversity makes us a more effective regulator, so we welcome people from all backgrounds.
We believe that working in a diverse team helps broaden everyone’s views, drives innovation, and stimulates the work environment.
A diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and broader views that helps us understand the needs of those who access our services. People from different backgrounds and with different experiences provide us with insight into the needs and challenges of medical professionals, patients, and the public. They bring skills, not necessarily from similar roles, but from life experiences that can help to shape and inform our work.
The more diverse we are and the greater the talent we have, the better we can be as an organisation. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture for everyone to reach their full potential. In our most recent staff survey, 80% of staff felt the GMC is an inclusive place for people of all backgrounds.
Support for you
We want everyone who works for us to feel respected, valued, and able to be themselves.
We know that people have to balance work with caring and other responsibilities that come with their own unique challenges and pressures.
We can support your needs in different ways, including by:
making adjustments
If you have a disability, a long-term health condition, or any short-term condition so you can thrive in your role.
offering flexible working options
To help you structure your working day around your caring responsibilities outside of work or manage your health and wellbeing. These include being able to work from home on certain days and job share arrangements.
offering the opportunity to join different employee networks
To collaborate, share experiences, and support each other. These networks are really important to us. Find out more on our staff networks webpage.
Disability Confident
We are committed to inclusive employment and career development opportunities, and particularly welcome disabled people to apply for all roles with us. We are a Disability Confident Employer, as part of which we offer an interview to all applicants with a disability who provide evidence that they meet the agreed cut-off mark on the essential criteria set out in the person specification.
We make the recruitment process accessible and inclusive for all applicants. We can make adjustments to the process, such as altering interview arrangements, and sending application forms and correspondence in a different format.